Bruges
Tourist Information by Meredith Booney
General summary of city:
 Bruges,
Belgium, from the Norse word 'Bryggja' meaning "mooring place," is one
of the three regions and the capital of Flanders. Bruges has a population
of over 100,000 and covers an area of approximately 138 km. This historic
city, with its natural link to the sea, became a commercial center for
European trade in early medieval times, as the harbor filled with ships
carrying wool, grain, and wine. In a short while, the door opened for trade
with countries on the Mediterranean Sea and the first fleet of ships arrived
from Genoa, Italy. With the increase in international trade and the influx
of capital, Bruges soon became an extremely wealthy city and a worldwide
banking market.
Over time, however, internal
revolts between the prosperous tradesmen and the common people of Bruges
led to the subsequent decline of the city as an important center for trade.
As silt began to form and fill the waterway, Bruges was replaced as a major
seaport by the more accessible city of Antwerp. After its separation from
the Netherlands near the end of the medieval period, Bruges today is no
longer known for its maritime prowess, but for its preservation as a provincial
city with a wealth of culture and history.
Places of interest:
Bruges,
often called the Venice of the North, is actually much further inland,
amid different arms from the sea, waterways created by repeated flooding
from the North Sea. After constant dredging, the Reie River was turned
into a network of canals, the Water Halls of the Market. The Court of the
Market (Grote Markt), the Castle, and the small towns of Damma and Suis
are visited by tourists in Bruges on riverboats owned by five families.
The Market has a belfry tower from which you have a spectacular view of
the city and the Provincial Court, on the east side of the square where
the original water halls existed, is a wonderful example of neo-Gothic
architecture. The statues of Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck, national
heroes, are located In the middle of the market square. Within the museum
adjacent to the Castle, The Shrine of the Sacred Blood houses the vessel
that is carried in a procession every year on Ascension Day.
The southern area of modern
reconstructed medieval houses still reflects the original architecture
of Bruges. In addition, there are several wonderful museums in the city
such as the archaeological museum, with historical exhibits from the Stone
Age and beyond. Another place of interest is the Groeninge Museum, which
houses a magnificent collection of fine art, containing works by Flemish
masters such as Van Eyck, Hugo van der Goes, Jacob van Oost, and the more
recent expressionist masterpieces.
Things to do:
Walking
through and around the ramparts that enclose this delightful, small city
is one of the best ways to discover its charm. Carriages can be hired and
scooters can be rented for an hour or a day of sightseeing, as well. Day
trips by buses (fares are extremely reasonable) can be arranged to Sint-Trudo
Abbey Male, former castle of the Counts of Flanders, and the Boudewijnpark
and Dolphinarium, a theme park and panoramic aquarena. Take time for a
stop at the Lace Center to watch the local artisans at work and the Antique
and Flea Market where arts and crafts are featured. Exploring a bit further
in the area around Bruges, you'll enjoy the beaches at Zeebruge, a small
seaside resort, and the quaint village of Lissewege located between the
city and the coast.
Zeebruge lies within 8 miles
from Bruges, connected by a canal, and boat trips and visits to the exhibitions
of the sea are popular things to do. There is no end to great shopping
in Bruges, largely between the Market square and the old city gates. A
number of small specialty shops are situated in the center such as De Kaarsengieterij,
the oldest and only candle shop in Bruges. Here, you can find garden and
interior candles, candle holders, and t-lights, or if staying in the city
a while, take the opportunity to order hand-painted candles for gifts and
special occasions.
Food & Drink:
Bruges is known for excellent
food and restaurants, featuring French and Flemish cuisine. Mussels, steamed
in beer or wine, are a favorite of the people in Bruges and are often served
with a side order of French fries with mayonnaise. Waterzooi is a type
of soup with cream, vegetables, chicken, or fish, and paling in't groen
consists of eels with vegetables and herbs. Popular selections for dining
out, as might be expected, are in the variety of seafood that is available,
from fresh salted herring to North Sea shrimp. Chocolate is a must for
dessert or for purchase in the many shops or patisseries that surround
the city and the Cote d'Or, with an inexpensive selection of chocolate
bars.
Wine is served in most places;
however, with over 100 breweries in Belgium and 400 varieties, beer is
the national drink in Bruges. There are three types of beer, lager or dark,
white, and the lambic homebrewed beer, often flavoured with fruit. Beer
is relatively expensive, but much stronger than beer from other countries.
There are a number of restaurants and pubs such as De Garre that have great
atmosphere and serve over 100 different varieties of beer.
Bruges is a fun-filled city,
if you're looking for some friendly nightlife. The nightclubs are small,
but filled with lively conversation, drinking, and dancing. The Grand Café
du Theatre features music from the 60's through the 90's, a large selection
of beer, and snacks from 6 to 8 p.m. nightly. If you enjoy sports, the
Snooker Palace is equipped with nine snooker tables, three dart boards,
and a pool table. Backpackers in Burges will enjoy the Snuffels Sleep-In
Bar, where plenty of beer is available and free concerts are held every
two weeks. Another favorite nightspot is Kant, a sophisticated club with
a great dance floor, serving the best champagnes and a variety of local
beer and wine.
Bars and pubs are popular,
as well, such as Celtic Ireland on Burg Square and De Versteende nacht,
for Wednesday night jazz. Larger nightspots are nearby in Antwerp and Ghent.
Evening strolls to the market square of beautifully illuminated historic
buildings, the tranquil parks, or lovers' lake, are enjoyable pastimes
while in the delightful city of Bruges.
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